HORTICULTURAL WRITER

How to Publish Your First Magazine Article

Magazines are a good place to start your writing career because editors are always looking for interesting articles to publish. Here are a few tips for getting your first story into print:

• Choose a Small Magazine
  Most major national magazines in the horticultural field use experienced writers. But smaller or regional magazines are usually willing to give new writers a chance to “break in.” These publications often rely on new writers because they cannot afford the higher rates that more established writers charge.
• Come Up with a Timely Idea
  To attract the attention of a magazine editor, you need good ideas. Look for ideas based on current trends, or on new gardening methods or tools. If you've just read, for instance, that more homeowners are planting roses, and you know a lot about rose cultivation, that could be a good idea to pitch to an editor.
• Choose the Right Magazine
  The right magazine for an idea is one that publishes similar kinds of articles. If you want to write a story about home gardening, send the idea to magazines that publish stories about home gardening. To learn more about what magazines publish and names of editors to contact, pick up a copy of Writer's Market.
• Write a Good Query Letter
  Writers usually send letters to editors, called query letters, explaining their ideas. In general, a query letter should be a page long and should include no more than two or three separate ideas. Write one or two paragraphs detailing each idea. Be sure that your spelling and grammar are perfect. Your query letter helps show editors that you are a good writer!
• Explain Why You're the Best Person to Write the Article
  If you want to write about tulips, and you spent the last few summers working for a tulip grower, mention that at the end of your query letter. If you want to write about the best plants to grow in the shade, and you've had experience in your home or community garden, mention that.
• Include Writing Samples
  If you've published articles before, even in the school newspaper or the local garden club newsletter, include copies, known as clippings or clips, in your package. If you don't have samples, be sure to write the best and most convincing query letter possible. Include a stamped and self-addressed envelope (SASE) so the editor can respond to you. Expect to receive an answer in one or two months. If you don't sell your first ideas, be patient and keep trying! Sooner or later, you'll get that first assignment.